Semiconductor sales up again

Worldwide semiconductor sales came to $11.6 billion in August, a 15.3 percent increase in sales over the same month a year ago and the fourth straight month of year-to-year gains for the industry.

The Americas constituted both the largest overall market and the market that experienced the most growth. Sales came to $3.9 billion in August 1997 in that market, a 21 percent growth over sales of $3.2 billion for August 1996. Japan followed in total sales with $2.9 billion, a 5.3 percent increase from the year before.

While accounting for less revenue, Europe and the rest of Asia grew faster than Japan. European sales came to $2.3 billion, a 15.8 percent boost over sales of $2 billion a year earlier, while Asia/Pacific racked up $2.7 billion for the month, an 18.5 percent increase over sales of $2.2 billion for August 1996.

Compared to July, however, sales were relatively flat. Asia/Pacific experienced a 1.8 percent growth sequentially. The Americas had nominal gains while sales were slightly down in Europe and Asia.

The Semiconductor Industry Association, which compiled the figures, saw good news all around. "This is particularly good news because sales stayed strong during the peak summer vacation series," George Scalise, president of the organization, said in a prepared statement.